Vienna is a true culture city that is packed with tourist attractions and magnificent buildings. For those who are interested in art and architecture, this is a dream city to visit. And with cheap direct flights from several airports in Europe, it’s a perfect weekend destination!
Here I have gathered a big list of attractions and things to do in Vienna as a tourist.
City Walking
Do you like guided tours? Then, I can recommend going on a city walking tour in Vienna. Normally, I think it is better to walk around by yourself, but Vienna is so large and has so many beautiful buildings that are easy to miss.
But of course you are welcome to wander around on your own too, but be sure to write down all the places you want to visit and make a good order in Google Maps to make sure that you don’t miss anything.
When I was there, I walked by myself, but I did lots of research before, and I ended up walking almost 25 kilometers in one day.
Of course, you can use public transportation, but I prefer walking since I get to experience everyday life and see things other people miss.
Wiener Schnitzel and apfelstrudel
To go to Vienna without eating Wienerschnitzel is like going to Denmark without eating Pølse. Almost all restaurants serve Wiener schnitzel, but I can particularly recommend a place called Schnitzelwirt. It is both cheap and authentic!
End your dinner with dessert, more particularly an apfelstrudel!
Address Schnitzelwirt: Neubaugasse 52.
Schönbrunn
Schönbrunn is one of Vienna’s most visited tourist attractions, and rightly so. Here await a massive green area and a large palace in Baroque style. The castle dates back to the 1700s and is one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Schönbrunn is also home to Schonbrunn Zoo, which I hope you will not visit. Why? Well, animals are not alive to entertain people. It is not right to keep animals locked up, especially in a small space and in a climate that is not the same as their home.
Address: Schönbrunner Schlossstrasse 47th.
Karlskirche
Right next to Karlsplatz stands a beautiful church named Karlskirche. A majestic Baroque church that was completed in 1737.
As a photographer, it is especially beautiful to shoot here in the evening when the church is lit up, and you can see the reflection in the water.
Address: Kreuzherrengasse 1.
Hofburg (Imperial Palace)
The official residence of the president of Austria and former home of the emperor. Hofburg is an impressive building and is just like many other historic buildings built in Baroque style.
If you like old buildings, palaces, and art, this is a given tourist attraction to visit in Vienna.
Address: Michaelerkuppel.
Parliament building
One of the world’s most beautiful parliament buildings along with the one in Budapest. A must see if you like architecture, statues, and majestic buildings!
Address: Dr.-Karl-Renner-Ring 3.
Boat trip along the Danube
Experience the city from the river’s perspective and go on a cozy boat trip along the Danube River. Boat trips are available both in the day and later in the evening, where they also serve food and drinks on board.
The Opera House
Vienna’s State Opera is one of the world’s most beautiful opera houses, and some of the most famous composers have all been guests here. Both the architecture and the acoustics are absolutely fantastic, and if you’ve never been to the opera before, this is a perfect place to go for the first time.
Address: Opernring 2.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
A Catholic cathedral built mostly in Gothic style. St. Stephen’s Cathedral stands in the middle of St. Stephen’s Square and is spectacular both inside and outside.
Address: Stephansplatz 3.
Stroll around the historic center of Vienna
Almost anywhere you go in Vienna you will be met by majestic buildings with grand features, statues, and other embellishments. The Habsburg legacy is visible throughout the city, and the sights are lined up one after another. So, just strolling around is one of the best things to do in Vienna.
Vienna’s historic center is everything inside the first district.
Hundertwasserhaus
An artistic house painted in bright colors that are characterized by the different forms. As you can see in the picture below, there are almost no straight lines at all. If you like art and architecture, this is a cool attraction in Vienna.
Adjacent to the house is also a “small village” with souvenirs.
Address: Kegelgasse 36-38.
Other attractions and things to do in Vienna
Parndorf outlet shopping
If you have time for shopping, Parndorf is the place to go, at least if you want a bargain on designer clothes. Parndorf is a large outlet mall located about 30-60 minutes outside Vienna by car or bus.
Prices are between 30 to 70% cheaper than the original price.
Kunsthistorisches Museum
If you like art, then Kunsthistorisches Museum is a must to visit. This art museum actually has one of the world’s largest collections of old art.
The historic art museum can be found on the Ringstrasse in downtown Vienna.
Address: Maria-Theresien-Platz.
Jesuit Church
I love to visit churches, especially churches that are unique with many details. The Jesuit church in Vienna is an amazing church that is full of unique decorations inside.
Address: Dr.-Ignaz-Seipel-Platz 1.
Eat a wurst in town
One can not claim to have experienced Austria without eating a traditional wurst in town! The sausages are available in several different versions, so you can be sure to find something that suits you, there’s even a wurst for vegans.
Madame Tussauds
I haven’t been here myself, but Madame Tussauds is generally always of good standard no matter where you go in the world. A fun place to visit if you travel to Vienna with children.
Address: Im Wiener Prater, Riesenradplatz 5.
Prater
A large park that is frequently visited by locals. There is also an amusement park where the famous Riesenrad Ferris wheel stands. The Ferris wheel offers a ride of 65 meters up in the air and a lovely view over Vienna.
In the Prater park you can also visit a popular night disco called Villa Wahnsinn.